Singapore Health Ministry Dismisses Ivermectin Hype
The Ministry of Health (MOH) has officially cut the chase on the “miracle” claims swirling around the anti‑parasitic drug Ivermectin and its alleged prowess against Covid‑19.
The Ministry’s Take
- Prescription‑only: Ivermectin is strictly licensed for treating parasitic worm infections—nothing to do with acting as a viral sabre.
- No antiviral endorsement: The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has not approved it for preventing or curing Covid‑19.
- Science says no: No credible, well‑controlled clinical trials have proven that Ivermectin can tackle the coronavirus.
Truth Warriors Get a Cautionary Note
The MOH flagged that the local site Truth Warriors regularly pushes unverified or misleading Covid‑19 content, particularly the claim that the drug is a panacea.
Key assertions from these claims:
- “Ivermectin is safe and effective for Covid‑19,” allegedly supported by expert backs.
- “WHO is knowingly hiding information about the drug’s efficacy,” a rumor with no foundation.
These articles cited the Front Line Covid‑19 Critical Care Alliance, a group that, while started as a charitable doctor network, has faced criticism for ties to anti‑vaccine activists.
Real‑World Consequences
The MOH also highlighted a disturbing trend: people seeking to self‑medicate with Ivermectin, only to end up in hospitals.
Case in point? On 1 October, a 65‑year‑old Singapore retiree, Wong Lee Tak, fell seriously ill after taking four 3 mg tablets over two days, prompted by friends’ reassurance that the drug would protect her from Covid‑19.
She suffered:
- A high fever (39.3 °C)
- Joint inflammation
- Severe vomiting post‑meal
Fortunately, after a rough few days, her condition stabilized, but the incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks of unapproved self‑care.
Bottom Line
In short, Ivermectin is not a Covid -9 cureicle. Stick to evidence‑based treatments, and keep the drug strictly for its original purpose—keeping those pesky worms at bay.
